blueprints

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

So I finally got my dream machine... My dad offered to buy my little green fighting machine in lieu of a wedding present 9 years over due. Can you believe it? I am most shocked that my vagrant status hasn't got me kicked me out of "the club" yet. It's been about 6 months and I've gone through 5 machines - all of them graciously loaned by unsuspecting "trusting" sewers. First there was "the Brother" (from Ashley) - simple & easy, nothing too complicated or out of my skill zone. Then I moved on to my longest affair with "the other Brother" (from Jill's unsuspecting Aunt - ignorance is bliss, right?) - really similar to Ashley's - very simple and functional. Nothing fancy pants or complicated. Jill let me use her can't-remember-the-brand-so-it-must-have-been-a-one-sided-fling (probably another other other Brotha) after she got "Hans". I did have a short stint with the fair and Nordic "Hans" (Jill's Husqvarna) - I must say it was too short and sweet, but his delicate Norwegian ways left a lasting impression on me.

My last Lexus of machines (Thanks to my mother-minus-the-in-law, Annette and the signed afit-davit, as well as the lien on my car in order to touch the prize of machines) again reinforced the my love for all things Nordic, Swiss, Swedish... you get the picture. My sisters (aka "the BerninaBelches" - all own Bernina's - every last blasted one of them) Maybe it was calling out to my inner roots - My 5th great grandma (my namesake) is from somewhere cold, blonder, and clean in the nether regions of Europe. My wee baby sis (the only other one without a machine), bought a Singer while I was there only to return it and succumbed to her fate. She Stepford wife-ishly bought a Bernette almost without thought, by the way, "Bernette" as she is lovingly called is none other than Bernina's cheap slutty little sis.

So I did what any other red blooded American apronista in search of a long lasting blond lover would do, I ditched the Singer. I had enough of the promises of hot dogs, acid wash jeans, bleach blond, drug deals in the back alley street charm, and went for the sleek hard bodied, chocolate loving Swiss Miss, Bernette. It wasn't an easy choice. I debated back and forth, read a bizillion online reviews, watched the HSN, and looked at as many actual machines that I could get my hands on... But I did it - I left the streets and my little green fighting machine (Rocky Balboa) for something Swiss with the slight smell of chocolate. Her name is Bernette and she is made by Bernina. Her older socialite sisters are out of my league (those machines BEGIN at 650$ - my sisters machines are all over $800 - yeah. no shocker there, so I'm not the favorite... not even in the top 4). Anyway, I renegotiated with the retired and easily persuaded Daddy Warbucks and settled for a little lamb closer to my price range ($400) and it just so happened that there was an older Bernette Serger (Bernette's very sturdy and strong, not so pretty, but very functional cousin) also for sale for $149.00. So with the generous help of my coincidentally (?) blond husband and retired Dad. I got both. So stick that in your pipe and smoke it "BerninaBelches" - none of them have a Serger. Nannie-Nannie-the-Boo-Boo (as James would say) and YAHHHHHOOOOO!!! I am so happy. I might change my citizenship and become neutral and indifferent to everything.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Today Maren turns the big 32! (I don't think she looks a day over 25.) In honor of Maren I would like to tell everyone why she is so dang wonderful.

1. Maren is so much fun! I am always laughing when I am around her. Which leads to...

2. She has a great sense of humor. I love that she is able to laugh at herself...and at me too! :)

3. She has taught me a lot about being a great mom and having fun with the kids. She is the funnest mom!

4. My kids adore her. Every other conversation with Cade is about Miss Maren and James Buchanan.

5. She is a great support system...especially when it comes to potty training and bias tape.

6. Maren is such a compassionate person. She doubles our happiness and shares the tough times. She has made me dinner when I've been sick and stolen my kids when I need a few hours alone. She is awesome!

7. She is amazingly ambitious! Not only does Maren do preschool 4 days a week, she works at a school Friday nights and is very close to finishing her Master's degree. AND she has two kids, a hubby, and two doggies to take care of (not to mention hosting apron night every week).

8. Maren is just wonderful. I am so lucky to have her as a friend. And to think...without the Secret Stitch Club I may have never learned all these wonderful things about Maren!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

I hope you all are having a great Turkey Day and enjoying delicious food, good times with family, and a little rest and relaxation! I just wanted you all to know that today I am very thankful for each and every one of you! Thank you for being such amazing friends and example to me! And for being equally as excited with all things apron-y as I am, I guess we are all what Anne Shirley would call, "Kindred Spirits" or "bosom friends"...did you ever notice that Diana Berry and Anne always wore house aprons when they snuck out of the house to see each other? Coincident? I think not! I love you all and again, Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Word is spreading like wildfire that the Runyan's are hosting a garage sale. My sis-in-law even sent me this cute announcement. I know the holiday season is upon us and time is precious. But what if each of us made even just one apron to donate to the boutique? Even if someone paid $5 for mine (mine don't look as professional as most of yours!), I would feel like I gave something to Abby. I'm ransacking my house to find good, but outlived items to donate to the garage sale. Yet part of me wants to give something nice to the project too. We could have a "Sew for Joseph" night the first Thursday in December. Just a thought...

Monday, November 19, 2007

I had to include this skirt that I finished last week. I know we are still focused on aprons, but it turned out so dang cute. I bought the horse fabric from Zoe's & had to find the follow up pieces at Joann's (Zoe's can get a little pricey - especially if you love everything in the store) but they all fit so nicely. This skirt is actually for my nieceJordyn, but my beautiful model, Paige volunteered to help me out. I am making two more - one for Jordyn's older sister, Sadie & one for Paige (Sadie's BFF). I will post a picture after Christmas of all 3 girls in their skirts. There is a fray along each ruffle. I added the extra small ruffle at the bottom. i love longer skirts & the fact that 5 year old can't keep their legs together. I was surprised how easy it was to make. The fraying actually took longer than the sewing. I hope I have enough left over to make them matching aprons.

Paige did give me the best compliment of my life today. We were at Target and I told her we needed to buy her a Christmas dress, but not there because I didn't like any of them and the fact that just about everything over 18 mo. is sleeveless (apparently only babies get cold or dress modestly) - she replied "Or mom, you could make me one, and it will be beautiful" - I could have cried right there with a hand full of popcorn on the way to my mouth. It was so touching! Kids rock - they always seem to believe in you & that you have super human abilities and give you the courage to try new things. I think I just might make her a Christmas Dress!... and I could make James a matching tie - 'oh for heaven's sake' (said in Mormon Mom voice).

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

The apron has arrived! Yesterday it was the only thing that could get me out of my sick bed. I heard the doorbell ring and just had a feeling it was the prized package! Kevin kindly went and got it and brought it upstairs to me. It is so beautiful!

I first had to show you the box. The packaging is adorable--just as Domestic Chicky said it'd be.

Here is the holiday hostess side of the apron. It is most definitely a figure flattering apron. I even think it might cover my pregnant tummy! I'll just have to loosen the straps a bit...okay, a lot! Note the matching headband, which is also reversible. I know it's hard to see in the pic.

And here is the sweet red polka dot side of the apron. This is me dipping my finger into the batter...

And then licking it! To me, the best part of a cookie is the dough.

And last, but certainly not least, I had to show you guys the tags and the label. So sweet and professional. I know we've talked about getting labels for our aprons. Should we revisit the idea?

So there it is...my new favorite apron. Thank you Apronistas and Heavenly Hostess! Now let the holidays begin.

Monday, November 12, 2007

SO I wanted to share a little bit more about my trip & since my personal site is flooded with it already, You get to enjoy the overflow (I know your counting your lucky stars). You all probably know that Jen and I are related (we are technically cousin-in-laws) anyway since Jason wasn't going with us I had an extra bed in my room. I told Jen it was all hers free of charge & her mother-in-law offered to buy her a ticket into the park & give her a ride out there. Jen (the way too nice person that she is, thought more of bills & commitments she had made, then of her own personal "good time" - you can tell we are not blood related). Finally she gave into peer pressure and went. I am so glad because after about 7pm my in-laws took my kids & Jen & I had a Girls Night Out in the Park.After watching Fantasmic which is fantastic (you can probablyYouTube it, if you have no clue what I am talking about) we got a little zany & obsessed with finding all the hidden Mickeys in Fantasy Land. You can ask most cast members before you go on the ride and they will either 1. Be really excited for you to find it & describe it as best they can. 2. Do not tell you but give you the I-know-but-you-don't-know-smirk or 3. Look at you really confused and have no idea what you are talking about. So if you get a little crazy & want so extra fun/challenge here is what to look for on your next trip (hopefully with me) at the park.

1. The Blasted King Aurthur's Carousel - We rode this thing until we were ready to puke. The cast member thought we were freaks (not too far from the truth) and had no clue what we were talking about - I was telling Jen that Walt's wife had a favorite horse that had a gold tooth. We couldn't find the dang horse & after 5 times on the ride gave up and asked a in-charge looking cast member. She was intrigued and told us that horses are periodically rotated off but Walt's favorite horse "jingles" was currently on the ride. It supposedly had Mickey shaped rhinestones on his butt. It does, but it's not really obvious, you have to look really close. 2. Pinocchio's Daring Journey - We found one on the ship case at the end of the ride. The cast member told us where to look and it was so easy & fun.

3. On the Snow White ride - when you get on the ride at the beginning there is a hidden Mickey in the bushes in front of you. 4. Mr Toad's Wild Ride - You can actually see it when you are ready to board onto your car. In the stain glass on doors that open in is a hidden mickey just a shade lighter - left bottom corner.

5. Peter Pan's Flight - It's on the tower of London on the backside. He is actually looking out one of the tall windows at the top. We didn't actually see it. Even at closing (midnight) the line is still at least 20 minute wait. And we were one of the last groups let on. But we did make some cast member friends that were rooting us along in our quest.

but take the suggestions with a grain of salt - some people are even crazier than we are. We met them on the way out of the park (and the above website is loaded with them). They were staring at the castle and one lady told us if you squint your eye hop on one foot and look at the second parapet to the right you can see the half shadow of a hidden mickey (okay so I exaggerated just a bit, but people do take it a little to the extreme)

And the last one I found while shopping on the last day! Let's hear it for Disney - listening to it's inner Apronista!

Monday, November 5, 2007

I just wanted to post these pictures from Christie's Surprise Birthday Luncheon. Happy 30th Chrisitie! ... and remind all you sweetie pies that my birthday is just after Thanksgiving (November 26th if you want to get technical). I don't need a cool surprise or anything - just some quality time with my ladies. Let's do lunch - again!

Jen (our little momma to be), Dawn & the birthday Girl. Doesn't she look surprised? Good thing she decided to get dressed that day. It might had been a little bit more embarrassing. Need I remind you of the time we all went to a late night showing & Chrisitie was in jammie's with pop down her front. Good Times!

Jill & Beka - does Beka look a little glazed over or is it just me. That lack of sleep at night will do it to you. I know what it's like with 2 - but I had mine one at a time. Beka is my hero & her boys are the cutest!

Me (looking a little crazier than usual - Kim & Emily were making me laugh my head off), Amber in mid-bite (I think she had chicken something or other), Kim, and Emily ... so glad they came and livened things up.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

The winner for the Heavenly Hostess apron giveaway has been announced! See The Apronista to find out the winner. Okay, I'm too excited. You don't have to click on the link to find out...I won! Can you believe it? I can't. 634 entries. I didn't think I had a chance. When I found out I squealed "I won!" My hubby was in the room and asked what I won. I said, "I won THE apron!" I could see he wasn't impressed at first. I explained the contest and showed him the apron (which I have looked at several times over the weekend, still in shock). Then he was a little more excited for me. I can't wait to get it. We can all take turns wearing it and feeling super stylish! Here are just a few more pics of it:

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A Little About Us...

We began with a mutual love of aprons. Having never sewn at all, a couple of us decided to get together and try our hand at sewing an apron. And the Secret Stitch Club was formed (we got our name from Maren's husband who sarcastically asked us one time if we put a secret stitch in our aprons). Almost two years and dozens of aprons later, we still meet weekly to sew, chat, share ideas, eat, and laugh. We share our latest creations and newest inspirations on this blog. Thanks for visiting us!